The Sole E55 elliptical is a compact machine suitable for any sized home. In addition to its space-saving frame, it also comes with first-class features, including Bluetooth audio speakers as well as a USB charging port. Plus, the ergonomic pedals are easy on your joints.
Is the Sole E55 Elliptical best for you?
The Sole E55 elliptical gives you everything you need to look forward to workouts. The power incline comes with 20 settings, so as you build muscle, your workouts can gradually become tougher. Additionally, moveable handlebars allow you to exercise your upper-body muscle groups in addition to those in the lower-body.
You get all the information you need courtesy of a high-contrast, 9-inch LCD screen. There's also a shelf where you can keep your smartphone or tablet to watch shows or read books as you work up a sweat. Another crucial feature to keep in mind is the mobile app compatibility. You can store session data to see how well you've improved over time via your smartphone.
Consider Sole E55 Elliptical if...
- You need a machine that lasts. The Sole E55 is made with a heavy-duty steel frame. It also comes with a lifetime warranty just in case anything does happen to it.
- You want peace and quiet. The whisper-quiet drive system keeps things practically silent when the pedals are in motion. You aren't going to disturb anyone you live with as you exercise.
- You like ergonomic foot pedals. The pedals are cushioned and ergonomic to prevent joint pain as much as possible. These pedals were specifically designed by physical therapists to maximize your comfort.
Avoid Sole E55 Elliptical if...
- You want more workout programs. This machine features 10 preset programs. Compared to something like the Nautilus E616, which comes with 29 programs, it comes off as a little light.
- You prefer powerful speakers. There are built-in speakers with this elliptical. However, many reviews state how they aren't very powerful.
- You are a petite trainee. This machine comes with a fixed stride length of 20 inches. For smaller individuals, this may be too long.
Sole E55 Elliptical pros & cons
Pros
- 20-pound flywheel
- 20 incline levels
- USB port
- Integrated tablet holder
Cons
- Inability to download new programs
- Fixed stride length
Construction and design
- Flywheel: The 20-pound flywheel is fairly standard among residential ellipticals.
- Pedals: The pedals come cushioned and ergonomic to support your joints and keep you comfortable as you work out.
- Handlebars: The multi-grip handlebars provide you with a number of ways to hang onto them so that you can work out various upper-body muscle groups.
- Console: The console comes with a sizable 9-inch screen, and you can connect its onboard computer with your smartphone via the Sole Fitness app.
- Resistance: Silent magnetic resistance via the 20-pound drive makes it a fantastic cardio trainer.
- Built-in Programs/Features: There are 10 preset workout programs in this machine. This includes user-designed workouts, a manual mode, and various other regimens focusing on muscle strengthening, calorie burning, and cardiovascular health.
Key Sole E55 Elliptical Specs
Reasons to buy Sole E55 Elliptical?
- You want to build your own exercise regimen. This elliptical allows you to create your own workout programs. If there's something you really want to focus on, then you can design it yourself and have it stay right there in the device.
- You want your tablet with you. With a media shelf, you can watch or read directly from your iPad as you exercise. You can listen to whatever you want via headphones or through the machine's sound system.
- You live in a smaller space. This elliptical features a compact size, so it's perfect for smaller houses or apartments.
Reasons to avoid Sole E55 Elliptical?
- You're on a budget. While this is by no means the most expensive elliptical around, it's also not the cheapest. If you want a machine without breaking the bank, then there are more affordable devices out there.
- You're an advanced trainee. People who have been working out regularly for a while may require greater resistance to benefit from an at-home elliptical. As such, they may desire a heavier flywheel.
What real Sole E55 Elliptical reviews say
We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Sole E55 Elliptical receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Sole E55 Elliptical scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.
What reviewers like
- "A great machine, designed and engineered with great attention to detail, and almost entirely quiet!"
- "The elliptical is pretty much what I expected it to be - easy and comfortable to use."
- "This is an outstanding machine for the price."
- "This unit is like a commercial grade machine."
- "I've used a lot of different types of ellipticals at health clubs and hotels, and this one is as good as most for a workout."
What reviewers dislike
- "Assembling this machine with a trusted partner of some mechanical awareness will greatly reduce both frustration and assembly time."
- "I have one issue with the chest strap not working."
- "The only issue is it will periodically start making a squeaking or thumping noise."
- "If you sweat enough while holding the heart monitor grips the sweat will run down the tubing and drip off on to the circuit board and short it out."
- "Many parts were missing and many parts were left over not to mention screws were used for wrong spots."
Our verdict
The Sole E55 elliptical is a solid model from the brand. While it's a mid-tier machine, it's sturdy, quiet, and comes with plenty of advantageous features. The fact you can design your own workout guides is a major plus, and it allows you to work out on your own terms.
Still, the fact there can only be 10 preset programs is a bit of a let-down, considering other ellipticals in its price range offer at least 20. However, anyone who's just interested in getting in a solid cardiovascular workout can't go wrong with this elliptical.
Where to buy Sole E55 Elliptical
You can find a great deal on the Sole E55 elliptical on Amazon. Enjoy their fast, free shipping!
